Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Melandri's run of victories has given him a 37 -point lead, 195 to Nieto's 158. Rolfo is third on 127, Elias (102) fourth, and Porto (94) taking fifth from Battaini (88). Melandri also took the fastest lap, short of his own lap record. 12Scc GRAND PRIX Sanna took off in the lead. By the end of the first lap, Pedrosa and Vincent were both ahead of the brawling pack, which took another two laps for an eight-strong leading group to break away, swapping back and forth as Vincent took a spell in the lead. The first to leave was Joan Olive, running wide onto a slippery patch and looping out of the fray on lap seven. One lap later, fellow Spaniard Pablo Nieto also fell, leaving six, joined for a while by Borsoi, catching steadily before losing touch again in the closing stages. By then it was really hectic, with 15-year-old Barbera proving that he has arrived, disposing of big names to take the lead for the first time on lap 14, and again the next lap. He never did lead across the line, however. That was 32-year-old Cecchinello, from laps seven until 14, before Vincent took over until the penultimate lap. The last-lap scramble saw Cecchinello take over firmly into the first corner, and stay there as the others battled. Vincent was second into the first part of the last chicane and took a fast line for the second, aiming to attack Cecchinello on the run to the flag. Instead, he left space for Pedrosa to dive inside. Then came Barbera, holding off Poggiali, whose Aprilia for once didn't seem to have that extra turn of speed. Steve Jenkner was close behind, then Sanna and polestarter de Angelis, with Borsoi more than four seconds adrift at the end. Mika Kallo, fended off fellow Honda rider Talmacsi to the end, the pair dropping off Azuma; Bianco held 13th from Gianstanti and Sabbatani, who took the last point. Poggiali's declining results saw his points lead dwindle - 171 to Vincent's 169, then Pedrosa on 160. CecchnielIi (116) is fourth, Jenkner (106) fifth, a long ways clear of Sanna (67). eN Bmo Circuit Bmo, Czec:b Republic Results: August 25, 2002 125 QUALIFYING: 1. Alex De Angelis (2,08.746); 2. Simone Sonno (2,08.992); 3. Doniel Pedroso (2,09.000); 4. Manuel Piggi.1i (2,09.105); 6. Lucio Cecchinello (2:09.307): 7. Pablo Nieto (2,09.406); 8. Am.ud Vincent (2,09.506); g. Hector Sorber. (2,09.514); 10. Gino Borsol (2:09.563); II. Gabor Telmacsi (2:09.612); 12. Joen Olive Lorenzo (2,11.987); 28. Michel Fobrlzio (2,12.150); Nieto (Apr); 5. CtJsey Stoner (Apr); 6. RtJndy De Punlet (Apr); 7. Roberto Locotelli (Apr); 8. N.oki 29. Robin Harms (2:12.199); 30. Imre Toth (2,12.569); 31. Christion Pistoni (2,12.761); 32. MtJtsudo (YtJm); 9. HtJruchiktJ Aokl (Han); 10. David Dario Giuseppetti (2:12.814); 33. Matej Smrz G.rcio (Hon); 11. R.lf W.ldm.nn (Apr); 12. J.y (2,13.120); 34. Motti. Angeloni (2,13.598); Igor Kolob (2,13.873). 250 QaAUFYlNG, 1. Fonsi Nieto (2,03.037); 2. Vincent (Hon); 13. Alex Debon (Apr); 14. Dirk Heidolf (Apr); 15. Raul Jera (Apr): 16. Erwen Nigon (Apr); 17. Leon Hasllllrn (Han); 18. DtJvid Checa (Apr); 19. Henk Ven Den Lagemaet (Han); 20. G£lbor Rlzmayer (Han). Time: 41 min., 41.572 secs. Distance: 66.99 miles Average speed: 96.41 mph Margin of victory: 7.023 sees. Fastest lap: Marco Melandri, lap 19, 2:04.039 M.OTOGP: 1. Max Biaggi (Yam); 2. Daijiro Kate (Hon); 3. Tohru Ukawe (Han); 4. Sele Gibernau (Suz); 5. Carlos Checa (Yam); 6. Loris CtJpirossi (Hon); 7. Jeremy McWilliems (Pro); 8. Norick Abe (Yam); 9. Alex Barros (Hon); 10. Olivier Jltcque Merco Melandri (2:03.563); 3. Sebastil!ln Porto (2:03.711); 4. Roberto Loc.telli (2:03.919); 5. Frllnco Battetni (2:03.957); 6, Roberto Rolfo (2,04.051); 7. Toni EIi.s (2,04.266); 8. N.oki Matsudo (2,04.311); 9. Rondy De Puniet (2,04.537); 10. Ralf Weidmann (2:04.583); 11. Alex Debao (2,05.241); 12. H.ruchlk. Aoki (2,05.252); 13. Sh.hrol Yuzy (2:05.415); 14. J.y Vincent (2,05.654); 15. D.vid Checo (2,05.681); 16. R.ul Joro (2,05.754); 17. Dovid Gorci. (2,05.941); 18. Hugo Morchond (2,06.135); 19. Leon Hoslom (2:06.188); 20. (llsey Stoner (2:06.441); 21. Hector Faubel (2:06.454); 22. Dirk Heidolf (2,06.572); 23. Erwon Nigon (2,06.882); 24. Joroslov Hules (2,07.322); 25. Henk V8n Den LDgemaet (2:08.905): Vladimir Castkll (2,09.143); Gobor Rizmoyer (2,09.543). MOTOGP QUALIFYING; I. Mox Bioggi (1,59.646); 2. Doijiro K.to (1:59.740); 3. Volentino Rossi (1,59.997); 4. Gorry McCoy (2,00.129); 5. (Yom); 11. Kenny Roberts Jr. (Suz); 12. Jurgen Von Den Goorbergh (Hon); 13. Gorry McCoy (Y.m); 14. Akira Ryo (Suz); 15. Tetsuye Harada (Han); 16. Regis Laconi (Apr); 17. Sylvein Guintoli (Yem). Time: 44 min., 36.496 sees. Distance: 73.69 miles Average speed: 99.124 mph Margin of victory: 2.755 sees. Fastest lap: DllIijiro Kato. lep 3, 2:00.605 Loris Ceplrossi (2:00.146); 6. Carlos Cheel! (2,00.186); 7. John Hopkins (2,00.241); 8. Tohru Ukowo (2,00.485); 9. Sete Gibem.u (2,00.567); 10. Alex Barros (2:00.619); 11. ShinyZl Nekeno (2,00.659); 12. Jeremy McWilli.ms (2,00.674); 13. 125 WORLD C'SHIP POINTS STANDINGS (After Jurgen ven den Goorbergh (2:00.835); 14. Nobuetsu 10 of 16 rounds): 1. Menuel Poggieli (171/3 wins); 2. Arnaud Vincent (169/3 wins); 3. Daniel Pedrosa (160/1 wins); 4. Lucio Cecchinello (116/3 wins); 5. Steve Jenkner (106); 6. Simone Sanna (67); 7. Pablo Aoki (2,00.985); 15. Olivier Jocque (2:01.095); 16. Norick Abe (2:01.239); 17. Tetsuye Herede (2,01.435); 18. Regis Laconi (2:01.494); 19. Kenny Roberts Jr. (2,01.582); 20. Akir. Ryo (2,02.085); 21. Nieto (65); 8. Alex De Angelis (63); 9. (Tie) Youlchi OJ (54)/Glno Borsai (54). 250 WORLD C'SHIP POINTS STANDINGS (After Sylvein Guintoli (2:03.054): 22. Pere Riba (2,04.329). 125 GRAND PRIX: 1. Lucio CecchineJlo (Apr); 2. Daniel Pedrosa (Han): 3. Arnaud Vincent (Apr); 4. Hector Barbera (Apr); 5. Manuel Poggiali (Gil); 6. Steve Jenkner (Apr); 7. Simone Senne (Apr); 8. Alex De Angells (Apr): 9. Gino Borsoi (Apr): 10. Mike Kellio (Hon); 11. GllIber TllIlmacsi (Hon); 12. Mllisao Azume (Han); 13. Stefano Bianco (Apr); 14. Mlrko GiltnSlllnti (Han); 15. Mex Sltbbal1mi (Apr); 16. Kleus Nohles (Han); 17. Youchi Ui (Oer); 18. Stefano Perugini (It1); 19. Thomes Luthi (Hon): 20. Jorge Lorenzo (Oer); 21. Andrea Dovizloso (Han); 22. Gloele Pellino (Apr); 23. Robin Harms (Han); 24. 10 or 16 rounds): 1, Marco Melandri (195/7 wins); 2. Fonsi Nieto (158/2 wins); 3. Roberto Rolfe (127); 4. Toni Elias (102); 5. Sebestien Porto (94); 6. Franco Battoini (88); 7. Roberto Locotelli (87); 8. Rondy De Puniet (86); 9. Nooki Motsudo (65); 10. Emilio Alzomoro (63); 11. Alex Debon (52); 12. Cosey Stoner (44). MOTOGP WORLD C'SHIP POINTS STANDINGS (After 10 of 16 rounds): I. Valentino Rossi (220/8 wins); 2. Tohru Ukawe (140/1 win); 3. Max Biaggi (134/1 win); 4. Cerlos Cheee (96); 5. Alex Barros Mottio Angeioni (Gil); 25. Michel F.brizio (GIi); 26. (2,10.763); 23. Andre. B.ilerini (2, I 0.852); 24. Merco Simoncelll (2:11.117); 25. Lukes Pesek (94); 6. Norlck Abe (90); 7. D.ljiro Koto (80); 8. Imre Toth (Hon); 27. Marco Simoneelli (Apr); 28. Igor Kalb (Han); 29. Daria Giuseppetti (Han); 30. Matej Smrz (Apr). Time: 41 min., 18.287 sees. Dlstance:63.64 miles Average speed: 92.45 mph Margin of victory: .202 sees. Fastest lap: Lucio Cecchinello, lep 3. 2:08.903 250 GRAND PRIX,!. M.r<:o Mel.ndri (Apr); 2. (2:09.713); 13. Youichi Ui (2,09.862); 14. Mik. K.llio (2,10.061); 15. Stef.no Bianco (2:10.163); 16. Stefano Perugini (2:10.223); 17. Klaus Nohles (2,10.240); 18. Thom.s Luthi (2,10.267); 19. Mas.o Azum. (2,10.317); 20. M;rko Gi.nsonti (2,10.340); 21. Andree Dovizioso (2:10.602); 22. Mex SabbeUlni (2,11.241); 26. Gioele Peliino (2:11.497); 27. Jorge This leaves Ducati. and Ihe latest rumors are that prime choice Troy Bayliss is having second thoughts about leaving his king-ofthe·hill position in World Superbike. where he might easily win every race next year. for a far more uncertain future on an untried new bike in MotoGP. Colin Edwards has recently signed for the Ilalians and becomes a candidate for their GP bike; and Capirossi has been on their shopping list for some time. Too many bikes. not enough riders - this makes an interesting situation for the likes of Nicky Hayden and even Kurtis Roberts, both of whom are thought to be contracted directly to HRC. This situation has not been as fluid as this for many years, if ever. The cost of leasing a four-stroke Honda is likely to be close to $2 million. some 50-percent more than the lease cost of an NSR two-stroke at $1.3 million. This can be deduced from revelations by HRC. "Our goal was to equal the costs of the NSR. but we have not achieved that." said Kanezawa. A more practical goal was 150 percent. The machine cost itself was about 120 percent. but running costs were higher. said project leader Hisashi Kodamasu, who took over when the project was switched from Honda R&D to HRC late last year. "With the two-stroke. the engine could be repaired. but with the four-stroke it needs to be completely stripped and parts tested as routine maintenance. - he said. The lease package for one rider would be two bikes and five engines. which would need rebuilding at 2000km intervals. Honda's all-conquering RC211 V has been only slightly changed since the beginning of the season. with the biggest change so far coming at Sma with the new ram·air intake system, according to HRC's Kanezawa. after it had achieved "better results than we expecled." However. rivals Yamaha and Suzuki had closed the gap. and the latest changes reflected that there was more to come from Honda's design. "We are not searching for more top speed. but to make the bike easier to ride so the rider can open the throttle more easily. - said Kodamasu. The chassis had not been changed significantly. but suspension had been revised, and the riders had asked for more rear traction. Fuel-injection mapping had been altered to improve drivability. and other changes had been aimed at improving engine durabili· ty and service life. Currently, the V-five is good for 1240 miles between rebuilds. which are stili being done in Japan but from next year will be done at HRC's Loris Cepirossi (75); 9. Olivier Jecque (48); 10. Kenny Roberts Jr. (45); II. Nobu.tsu Aoki (43); 12. (Tie) Shiny. Nokono (41)/John Hopkins (41); 14. Aki'" Ryo (36); 15. Sete Glbem.u (34). Upcoming Rounds Round 11 - Estoril, Portugal Round 12 - Valencia, Spain SebtJstltJn Porto (YtJm); 3. Toni Elillis (Apr); 4. Fonsi Belgium headquarters. After the new ram-air system. the next changes would be to the chassis. to "change the dimensions and rigidity," said Kodamatsu. HRC produced a series of data sheets and drawings that revealed more than hitherto about their groundbreaking design. although certain aspects including the spaCing of the center crankpin, the bore and stroke. valve angle and peak revs remain secret; The 72.5-degree V-twin has four main bearings. so that the outer cylinder pairs share a single crankpin ... like a pair of V-twins; the outer cylinders have 50-percent balance weighting, while the center cylinder (at an unrevealed crank angle) eliminates any remaining vibration. The engine requires no balance shaft. and is free from primary vibration and rocking couples; the fuel injection uses two sequential multi-hole injector nozzles one downstream of the throttle butterfly for low- to mid-range throttle response. the outer nozzle for strong wide-open accelera· tion. The supply is controlled by variable fuel pressure. under continuous ECU control; while predictor control accounts for "the amount of fuel remaining in the intake ports and clinging to the inner surfaces of the ports." optimiZing the mixture to improve rideability and fuel consumption significantly: the skimpy fairing provides a balance between control and aerodynamics. Wind-tunnel tests before the first GP showed that the smaller Ukawa was more aerodynamic than teammate Rossi. ; the chassis had been designed to offer more lateral flex than the NSR500. but greater torsional rigidiy. In the case of the main chassis. it was 17-percentless laterally rigid. and 23 percent more torsionally rigid: while the same figures for the swlngarm are minus 12 percent and plus 29 percent; the engine uses a "semi-dry-sump - system. with the crankcase scavenged by a pump and the oil sump beneath the gearbox. Other aspects are as already known; the engine design was chosen to fit within a sphere to centralize mass, with Ihe underseat fuel tank and the compact and low-slung "Unit ProLink- rear suspension unit continuing the theme. The slipper clutch is as used on the Superbike. although converted to dryclutch operation; while Ihe engine braking is further reduced by a very high idle speed of 3500rpm! HRC also revealed that while they have in the past raced with a traction-control system on the two-stroke. it has so far nol been raced on the four-stroke. However, - significant testing - has been undertaken, and it will be tried in the future. Triple U.S. Champion Mat Mladin's hopes of a Suzuki wild card ride for the Australian GP are unlikely to come to fruition. according to team manager Garry Taylor. after the team had already used up their allocation with a total of six such rides for factory rider Akira Ryo - the last of them at Bmo. "I just don't see that it would be possible to overcome that problem. let alone any other difficulties." said Taylor. Kenny Roberts Jr. was delighted with the results of surgery to his right arm. to deal with an arm-pump problem that had developed rapidly and destructively during the season to the point that he missed the last pre-holiday round in Germany to get the operation done one week earlier. At Bmo. he was sporting fresh scars on both sides of his arm below the elbow, and saying, -It's beller than it's ever been." He'd first experienced problems with his forearm riding motocross as a teenager, he said. - but I found ways to ride round it. It was never an issue on a 500. bUI when I tesled the four-stroke in January and had to biip the throttle for backshifts while also braking. it started to be difficult." The problem had come and gone in the early races, but at Assen. for the seventh round. "I was destroyed after the race. and for the next week it never did relax. AI the next race. in England, after five laps, I was screwed. - Within days they had decided to skip the German GP to put the planned fasciotomy surgery forward by a week. The operation was conducted by San Francisco surgeon Dr. Arthur Ting, whose famous motorcycling patients have included Mick Doohan and Wayne Rainey, among many others. A racer in full leathers and a helmet looks ridiculous on a pedal cycle - but desperation drove Pablo Nieto to swallow his pride after a tumble dUring Saturday moming's free practice. A bicycle was the handiest means of transport by the track where he had fallen, and he leapt aboard and was followed by barely suppressed laughter as he pedaled frantically down pit lane to pick up his spare machine. A blaZing fight between HRC president Koiji Nakajima and Doma chief executive Carmelo Espeleta was defused at Bmo after simmering through the summer break. The war of words took place at the German GP at the Sachsenring. and ended with the senior Honda man being ejected from Espeleta's office. "Any bad feeling is over, and this moming we agreed to co-operate.said Nakajima of Friday night. declining to go into details. Leaks from within Dorna revealed that the argument had been sparked off over a disagreement about whether Pramac had just a oneyear entry for Ihis year. or a permanent grid position Cit is the former}, and had rapidly reached a climax after Nakajima had impugned Espeleta's integrity. Want to look like top two-stroke campaigners Alex Barros or Loris Caplrossi? Now you can - with a new range of riding gear launched at Bmo by Spyke leathers. Three garments are available: full one-piece leathers, a leather jacket. and a Cordura fabric jacket, with detachable sleeves and lining. The coats have all the logos: West. Honda, Mobil 1. Michelin, HRC. and, of course, Spyke. British teenager Chaz Davies, 15. had a nasty moment in practice. when his left clip-on broke off at 115 mph in practice. The 125cc Aprilia rider fell heavily and was struck by his bike. He was helicoptered to hospital with possible intemal injuries and kept in ovemight. though he had escaped serious consequences. Ulsterman McWilliams had a luckier escape in the final session. falling off but saving the bike with his elbow to get it back on its wheels. "The front and the rear had both gone and I'd crashed. but I gave it a shove and got back on." he said later. -I was very. very lucky." Proton Team KR owner Kenny Roberts said: "He fell off. but didn't hilthe ground." cycle n e .... so SEPTEMBER 4, 2002 19

• Cover